VP Leni Robredo should Devote Time for Election Protest after not having Official Functions

Vice President Leni Robredo was not invited to welcome any of the foreign leaders as they arrived in the country. This role is traditionally given to past Philippine vice presidents. The members of the Du30 Cabinet welcomed the world leaders instead. However, while the VP did not serve any official functions during the 31st ASEAN Summit, she attended the opening ceremony. Robredo also delivered a keynote speech at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Solaire Resort and Casino. It’s not a big deal for her not having an official function. She would need a lot of time to prepare for Bongbong Marcos’ election protest against her now that the recount is due to happen anytime soon.

[VIDEO]: Vice President Leni Robredo delivers the closing keynote at the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit held Tuesday, November 14.

The VP’s Mandate

The vice president in Philippine politics has no specific mandate to perform in the Cabinet or in government. He or she normally attends ceremonial functions. Political tensions arise if the vice president maneuvers to undermine the president. It is detrimental if the VP supports the opposition. Complications happen if the VP intends to be president. The second leader’s every action perceives as partisan and can be harmful to the president’s political interest.

Robredo’s Own Initiative

Robredo urged ASEAN businessmen to help micro, small, and medium enterprises have easier access to fair trade and unclogged value chains during her keynote speech. The Vice President then met with representatives of women’s business organizations in Asia on the sidelines of the ABIS.

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Must Strengthen her Defense

Robredo, who resigned as Housing Czar currently has no Cabinet duties. She has all the time in the world to strengthen her legal defense in the election protest case filed by former Senator Bongbong Marcos. The President’s alliance with Marcos is just not helping her ultimate quest to stay in power.

Action is Obvious

Du30 could have reviewed the functions of the office of the vice president already if the second most powerful leader after him is his preferred heir, Bongbong Marcos. He can begin by broadening the VP office’s mandate, identifying the government body that will be headed by the vice president, and specifying the duties that will be the basis to demand accountability from the country’s second-highest official. It’s the opposite now with Robredo. Her exposures are obviously minimized. She should already get the hint that the forces are working against her.